Stir-Fried Tofu with Authentic Thai Basil and Chili

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Spicy and aromatic stir-fried tofu infused with fresh Thai basil and red chili, delivering a bold and authentic flavor. This thai-inspired vegan ready in about 20 minutes pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Thai cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  2. Step 2: Add 14 oz cubed firm tofu and fry for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and slightly crisp.
  3. Step 3: Push tofu to the sides, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 thinly sliced red Thai chilies to the center, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir tofu back into the garlic and chili, then add 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, and 1 tsp sugar. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the tofu.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves until wilted, then serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Authentic Thai Basil and Chili take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Tofu with Authentic Thai Basil and Chili?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Authentic Thai Basil and Chili?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Stir-Fried Tofu with Authentic Thai Basil and Chili for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Stir-Fried Tofu with Authentic Thai Basil and Chili vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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